Working in a Running Store Myths

Many of my running friends think the job I have is wonderful(which it is), but they sometimes I have an impression of how things play out that I would like to address. These are some of the myths I have encountered in my running specialty career.

1) You run all the time. Contrary to popular belief I don't run all the time. In fact I have to really plan when I can run. Working in a running store full time, means you work full time. When I can run, it's a joy.

2) You get free shoes. Well this is true, but it's not what you think. Sometimes we are given shoes to test. Sometimes we can keep them. Sometimes they want them back. My staff on average gets 2 pairs of shoes in a year. We do try to make sure when there are shoes that it goes through a process, and not some vendor rep handing over shoes. We want to be fair to everyone, and all the brands.

3) You get to run in all the races. A gentleman was upset with me a month ago, because he assumed running stores get free entries to all the races. He actually asked me if he could have one of "our entries" to the Disney World Marathon. I told him we didn't have any, and that wasn't how it works. He got pretty angry with me, and almost accused me of lying. The truth is a store may be given some entries for races they help sponsor, but that is for employees only, and it isn't a usual thing.

4) You have fun all day long. Well....it is still work. It is fun work though. We don't play all day long though.

5) Do you make the shoes? Yes you read this correctly. I am asked a couple times a year if we make the running shoes. People sometimes mistake a custom fit, for custom made. No, we don't make the shoes in a running store. Those are made in China for the most part.

6) You must love working in a running store. This is no myth. This is the truth. I do love what I do. I love working with runners of all abilities. I love talking running and living running. The good news is so do all the people in the stores.

Charlie